Self-paced online training designed to build confidence, strengthen technical knowledge, and support practical readiness for the deck department yacht crew pathway.
The Deck Department is the backbone of a vessel’s safe operation. From navigation and stability to equipment handling and hull maintenance, it ensures the yacht operates efficiently while meeting the highest standards of safety and seamanship. If you are exploring how to become a deckhand, this package helps you understand the department, the expectations, and the knowledge behind the role before stepping onboard.
Whether you're preparing for your first role onboard, currently working on deck and looking to deepen your technical understanding, or part of senior crew seeking a structured training solution for junior team members — this course bundle delivers practical, clear, and professionally structured online learning.
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Sailing Course
Sailing Course: Sailing is a skill to learn and master, so let us teach you the theory. This course teaches you everything from speaking like a sailor to understanding the "rules of the road" at sea.
This module covers the technical words and terms used in the forthcoming sailing training videos, designed to expand your knowledge and understanding to prepare you to enter the maritime industry.
This module introduces the basics of sailing theory and expands on the terminology learned in Module 1.
This module aims to introduce you to the Collision Regulations 'COLREGs' focusing on the main rules needed to sail a vessel safely in hours of daylight. However, the sooner you begin to familiarise yourself with the COLREG’s and begin to learn and understand them, the safer you will be at sea, and the faster you will excel in your maritime career.
Understanding the basics of chart work will help you better understand what is required to navigate safely at sea.
Passage/voyage planning is the procedure used to develop a complete description of the vessel's voyage from departure to arrival or ‘berth to berth’. Passage plans provide all the necessary information to navigate the vessel safely. Therefore, it should be comprehensive, detailed, and easy to understand.
The IALA Maritime Buoyage System is in place to improve navigational safety and to act as a barrier to dangers. When entering or exiting a port, vessels need to understand where the safe water is to navigate and the potential hazards to avoid collisions. To achieve this, we use aids to navigation; these may be buoys, lighthouses, lightships, or other fixed or floating devices.
This module provides a theoretical understanding of operating the CNB Lagoon 620 sailing vessels in a safely and efficiently. By following steps for each action, you will limit any risk of endangering yourself, the vessel, or your fellow crew members. Practical training will reinforce this learning.
This module provides a theoretical understanding of how to operate a monohull sailing vessels safely and efficiently. By following steps for each action, you will limit any risk of endangering yourself, the vessel, or your fellow crew members. Practical training will reinforce this learning.
After completing this module, you will know in theory how to maintain the standing and running rigging of the monohull and catamaran vessels. The maintenance concepts are relatively universal across all vessel types, and following the schedule is imperative to extend the working life of your rigging while keeping you safe at sea.
The score for this course contributes towards an average final score after completing all the courses.
Deck Course
Deck Course:This course is a theoretical introduction to the skills and knowledge you should have when applying for a deck crew position. The course covers intense knowledge-based modules.
Become familiar with the glossary to fully understand the common terminology used in the sailing industry, and how to correctly use these terms.
In this module of the course, you will learn what the deck operational drills and procedures are. These drills are executed on a timeline and in a sequence depending on the circumstances.
This module introduces you to the safety, emergency, and duty watch checklists on board a vessel. Some of these checklists are also referred to in the Operational Drills in Module 1. All of these checklists form part of a vessel's Safety Management System.
This module introduces you to the safety, emergency, and duty watch checklists on board a vessel. Some of these checklists are also referred to in the Operational Drills in Module 1. All of these checklists form part of a vessel's Safety Management System.
This module introduces you to the safety, emergency, and duty watch checklists on board a vessel. Some of these checklists are also referred to in the Operational Drills in Module 1. All of these checklists form part of a vessel's Safety Management System.
The score for this course contributes towards an average final score after completing all the courses.
Learn essential skills in sailing operations, navigation basics, COLREGs, line handling, knot-tying, deck procedures, maintenance routines, and real-world drills— all at your own pace, online.
Over 16+ hours of interactive lessons, videos, quizzes, and real-life scenarios
Access 70 detailed lessons across 15 modules covering sailing operations, deck procedures, navigation basics, COLREGs, maintenance routines, and seamanship awareness
Unlimited login access — learn anytime, anywhere with flexible online training for 12 months
If you are not sure about starting a long-term career in the Luxury Yacht Industry access the world’s most comprehensive and succinct career guidance tool here, and find out what to do, when to do it, and where to do it, at your own pace.
Watch the Overview Video below or visit the
Academy by Ephemeris Website
We recommend starting with the Introduction to Yachting Course.
This course gives you a clear understanding of how the industry operates, what each department does, and which career pathways may suit you before progressing further.
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